Bruce M. Mahone (1951-2018)

Bruce Michael Mahone, 67, the eldest son of Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone, passed away on November 8. He was born on December 26 in Kenosha, WI. After attending local public schools, Weiskopf Elementary and McKinley Jr. High School, he was the first African American male student to attend St. Joseph’s High School (now St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy), where he earned his diploma. He excelled in academics and athletics. He starred on the basketball team, played on the football team and competed in the broad jump and shot put on the Track and Field team. A great lover of music, he played the trumpet and coronet, and later became the drum major of the CYO Band. Years later, he played the harmonica. He served in the US Air Force from December 8, 1970 – September 16, 1971 with an honorable discharge. He went on to study criminal justice and political science at Carthage College from 1972 – 76.

Known for his radiant smile, generous heart, and strength in body and spirit, he loved and protected family. A great storyteller and raconteur, he motivated young people, stood up for civil and human rights, and celebrated life at every turn.

His work in the nonprofit sector began as the Activities Director at the Christian Youth Council (CYC) and later he worked as an intake specialist at the Community Action Program. Over the years, he coached several local youth basketball and softball teams. His work at the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) program was devoted to training low-income and unskilled workers, and providing them with jobs in the public service. He also worked at the Division of Motor Vehicles. He moved to California and later to Florida, In his final years, he found great joy in his gemstones; he became a certified gemologist and took up jewelry design as a hobby. He returned to Kenosha to be with the family.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone.

He is survived by four daughters, Kisha (Paul) Lazaris, Bree Craig Mahone, LaToya Watson, and Patrice Mary Mahone; five grandchildren: Ashe, Aurelius, Lola, Drake and Baron.

He will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished forever by his siblings, nieces, and nephews: Ardis Mosley, Malcolm, CerCi, Sydne, Jai (Yvonne), Tim, Sean, Jennifer (Kirk) Mahone-Rightler, Jemal (Charlotte), Ian, Diamond, Kellen, Lindsay, Leah, Erika Wortham, Jonah, Antoine Jayden Carr, Evan, Elleana, Camren, Kayden, Jaylen, Olivia, and Anna; Cousins: Craig (Joyce) Barker, Patrick Sheard, the Jelks and Bardwell families; and extended family: Mary Ann (Ralph) Ruffalo, Janice (Josh) Craig-Rayat, Rachel Aiello, Lisa Mahone and Brent Oglesby.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nikki Waites and Linda Dwyer, case manger and nurse from I Care Health, for vital support and attentive care of Bruce. We also thank the Killearny Courts staff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Fund c/o the Kenosha Community Foundation, 600 52nd St., Suite 110, Kenosha WI 53140. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Woman’s Club of Kenosha (6028 8th Avenue) and interment with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.